Philanthropist Bill Gates sets forth a plan to generously dispense 175 billion dollars over two decades for the betterment of Africa.
In a speal at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Bill Gates, Gates Foundation prez, urged African leaders to seize this moment to speed up progress in health and development via innovation and partnership, despite challenges. Here's the scoop:
Bill's dropped a reserve of $200 billion (approximately €175 billion) of the Gates Foundation's dough over the next 20 years, chucking the bulk at Africa. The funding's focused on joint ventures with governments prioritizing citizen health and well-being.
Bill's set on donating his wealth over the next two decades, with Africa squarely in his sights. He sees African leadership and creativity as key drivers in promoting health and the continent's economic future.
"Unlocking human potential through health and education," Bill said, "should set all African nations on the path to prosperity, and it's exhilarating to be part of that ride."
After spittin' his pearls, Bill teamed up with Paulin Basinga, Africa chief at the foundation, for an informal convo about Africa's development agenda and the investments and partnerships vital for future progress.
Bill's all pumped about countries like Mozambique, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Zambia, as, according to him, they're demonstrating what can be achieved when bold leadership embraces innovation.
Reflecting on his nearly 20-year affair with the continent, Bill admitted he's always been taken aback by African resourcefulness, even in the most impoverished places.
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds a substantial potential in shaping the future of the continent, according to Bill. On the other flipside, he commended "young African innovators," stating he sees young Africans embracing technologies and using them to tackle their problems. Rwanda's AI use to beef up service delivery is a prime example.
This pledge for Africa follows a period of cuts in international aid to the continent, particularly since U.S. Prez Donald Trump took office.
Whilst in Ethiopia, Bill met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He then stomps off to Nigeria, slated to converse with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and confer with federal and state leaders about Nigeria's primary healthcare reforms.
Bill's also dipping his toes in a Goalkeepers Nigeria event on the future of tech in Africa and will mingle with scientists and local partners behind Nigeria's national AI strategy and amplifying health solutions.
Over the next 20 years, the foundation vows to: 1) Snuff out preventable maternal and child deaths, 2) Purge the globe of infectious diseases, and 3) Lift millions from poverty, charting a course to prosperity. Once the 20-year mark's reached, the foundation'll shutter its doors.
Erected in 2000 by Bill and Melinda Gates, the Gates Foundation's U.S. HQ resides in Washington, D.C.
Bonus Byte: Google about to unveil new flagship devices in August.
Fun Fact: The Gates Foundation's investment areas encompass health, education, economic development, and innovation. Health-wise, the target's primary healthcare systems, with emphasis on maternal and child health, aiming to slash preventable deaths and banish infectious diseases. Educationally, it looks to beef up education systems, heralding education as a crucial component in unleashing human potential. Economically, it wishes to foster sustainable development via collaborations with African governments. And innovation-wise, it's probable the foundation will continue harnessing AI-powered technologies to boost healthcare and education outcomes on the continent.
- Bill Gates, in discussion with Paulin Basinga, Africa chief at the Gates Foundation, highlighted the significance of technology in shaping Africa's future, particularly artificial intelligence, and commended young African innovators for embracing new technologies.
- The Gates Foundation, in a pledge toward Africa's development over the next 20 years, aims to work with international partners and governments to tackle pressing issues such as poverty, preventable maternal and child deaths, and global infectious diseases, and to support the continent's economic growth.
